Aftercare

Aftercare

Birth Control

There are various methods of birth control. Each type works in a different way. If you were prescribed a type of birth control, you will have a prescription in your brown envelope. You can take this to a pharmacy to be filled and you will have to pay for it. You should also have a 2-3-page handout from our clinic with information about the specific birth control you will begin.

In order for your hormonal birth control (the pill, patch, or ring) to be effective in a month, it should be started within 4 days of the abortion procedure. Use a condom for the first month if you have sex.

If you get Depo Provera (the needle) within 4 days of the procedure, it will be effective immediately. You will need to get the next injection between 10 and 12 weeks later. For more information about Depo or to get an automatic reminder call for your next injection, call 1-888-671-DEPO (3376).

Barrier methods, such as male condoms, with or without female barrier methods (Vaginal Contraceptive Film, other spermicides, sponge or diaphragm) should be used to prevent pregnancy until hormonal birth control has become effective.

If you have been given a prescription for an IUD (intrauterine device), you can have it inserted 2 weeks after the abortion procedure. You can make an appointment to return to Woman’s Health Options to have it inserted or see another doctor.

If you and the counsellor discussed using Fertility Awareness Methods (FAM) or having a tubal ligation or your partner having a vasectomy, you will have specific information about these methods in your brown envelope.

If you have any questions about birth control, and you live in Edmonton, you can call the Birth Control Centre at 780-735-0010 or your family doctor. If you live outside of Edmonton, talk to your health care provider.